Morning: Arrive at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport and take a short train ride to Menton. Check into your hotel and enjoy a light breakfast at a nearby café.
Afternoon: Wander through the charming Vieux Menton (Old Town), admiring pastel-colored houses and narrow alleyways. Stop at the local market to sample fresh olives and cheeses.
Evening: Dine at a seaside restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean, tasting the regional specialty of citronnade. Stroll along the promenade to soak in the sunset.
Find HotelsMorning: Visit the exquisite Jardin Serre de la Madone, a botanical haven created by Lawrence Johnston, featuring exotic plants and serene water features.
Afternoon: Continue to the nearby Jardin Fontana, where terraced gardens bloom with roses, bougainvillea, and lemon trees, offering spectacular views over the city.
Evening: Return to town for a casual dinner at a trattoria, enjoying fresh seafood pasta paired with a glass of local rosé.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore the historic Basilique Saint-Michel, admiring its Baroque façade and intricate interior mosaics.
Afternoon: Spend time at the Jean Cocteau Museum, discovering the artist’s surreal paintings, drawings, and multimedia installations.
Evening: Attend a small concert in the town square, often featuring local musicians performing traditional Provençal songs.
Find HotelsMorning: Browse the vibrant Menton Lemon Market, where stalls overflow with lemons, citrus preserves, and handcrafted soaps.
Afternoon: Join a cooking class to learn how to make the famous citrus-infused Menton torte and other regional dishes.
Evening: Sample your creations at the class’s communal dinner, followed by a leisurely walk along the illuminated waterfront.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a short train ride to the picturesque harbor of Villefranche-sur-Mer and settle on its sandy beach.
Afternoon: Swim in the crystal‑clear waters and explore the colorful waterfront cafés, trying a refreshing citron sorbet.
Evening: Return to Menton for a relaxed dinner at a bistro, savoring a glass of local wine as the town quiets down.
Find HotelsMorning: Begin a scenic coastal hike along the Sentier du Littoral, heading toward the cliffside town of Cap-d'Ail.
Afternoon: Pause at secluded coves for a picnic, then explore the charming streets and enjoy panoramic sea views.
Evening: Catch the train back to Menton and unwind with a gentle evening stroll through the illuminated gardens.
Find HotelsMorning: Board a fast regional train to Monaco and start with a visit to the opulent Prince's Palace, watching the changing of the guard.
Afternoon: Explore the Oceanographic Museum and wander the glamorous Monte Carlo Casino district, soaking up the luxurious atmosphere.
Evening: Return to Menton for a quiet dinner, reflecting on the day’s grandeur over a plate of fresh anchovies.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a train to Nice and stroll along the famed Promenade des Anglais, feeling the sea breeze on the pebble beach.
Afternoon: Wander the vibrant Old Town (Vieux Nice), visiting the Cours Saleya market and tasting local socca.
Evening: Return to Menton and enjoy a relaxed evening at a rooftop bar, watching the lights of the Riviera twinkle.
Find HotelsMorning: Travel to the perched medieval town of Èze and wander its narrow cobblestone lanes, taking in breathtaking views.
Afternoon: Visit the renowned Fragonard Perfume Factory for a guided tour and create your own scented souvenir.
Evening: Head back to Menton and dine at a garden restaurant, savoring dishes flavored with local lemons.
Find HotelsMorning: Journey inland to the perfume capital of the world, Grasse, and explore its historic perfume houses.
Afternoon: Participate in an immersive perfume‑making workshop, learning about the art of blending essential oils.
Evening: Return to Menton for a relaxed night, perhaps enjoying a nightcap at a cozy café.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart early for a day trip to the breathtaking Mercantour National Park, renowned for alpine scenery and wildlife.
Afternoon: Hike the Vallée des Merveilles trail, spotting ancient rock carvings and enjoying panoramic mountain vistas.
Evening: Arrive back in Menton, treat yourself to a hearty Provençal stew to replenish energy.
Find HotelsMorning: Enjoy a leisurely morning at the Jardin Serre de la Madone revisiting favorite spots or simply relaxing in a nearby spa.
Afternoon: Browse the local artisan market for souvenirs, hand‑crafted lemon products, and fresh produce.
Evening: Celebrate the trip’s penultimate night with a gourmet dinner at a Michelin‑starred restaurant, tasting a tasting menu that highlights citrus flavors.
Find HotelsMorning: Join the vibrant Menton Lemon Festival, admiring elaborate citrus sculptures and parades.
Afternoon: Sample a variety of lemon‑infused treats, from candied peel to lemonade cocktails, and watch live performances.
Evening: End the festivities with a spectacular fireworks display over the sea, creating a memorable finale.
Find HotelsMorning: Take a final stroll along the waterfront, savoring a last espresso and a view of the azure horizon.
Afternoon: Check out of your accommodation and board the train back to Nice for your onward journey, reflecting on two wonderful weeks.
Evening: Depart from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport with fond memories of Menton’s lemon‑scented charm.
Find HotelsTo extend your stay, consider adding a day in the neighboring Italian town of Ventimiglia for a cross‑border market experience, or spend extra time hiking in the Mercantour for deeper immersion in nature. If you need to shorten the trip, combine the Nice and Monaco excursions into a single day or skip the Grasse perfume tour, focusing instead on more beach relaxation in Menton.